TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (WIAT) — People who live in the Maplewood subdivision in Trussville say they’ve seen a large cat-like creature in their neighborhood, and they’re worried for the safety of their pets, especially house cats and small dogs.

After several cats disappeared and one small dog was attacked, a neighbor sent out a notice to all of the residents – alerting them to be aware of the creature. The City of Trussville has also taken action, by setting up cameras in the subdivision on Monday afternoon. The Alabama Wildlife Division set up stations with feathers to entice the creature, but biologist Mike Sievering says they don’t want to trap it.

“All we’re trying to do is verify that the animals are in the area,” he says, “once we get verification from that, we’ll take the appropriate steps to do what we need to do.”

Sievering says they’ll check the cameras everyday. If anyone sees the creature, call the District 3 Wildlife office in Tuscaloosa at (205) 339-5716.